Strengthening Exercises for the Levator Scapulae

by
MIGUEL CAVAZOS Aug. 14, 2017

Miguel Cavazos

Miguel Cavazos is a photographer and fitness trainer in Los Angeles who began writing in 2006. He has contributed health, fitness and nutrition articles to various online publications, previously editing stand-up comedy and writing script coverage as a celebrity assistant. Cavazos holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science from Texas Christian University.

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Weakness

Strengthening exercises for the levator scapulae can help reverse or prevent postural problems associated with weakness in the muscle, including kyphosis. Kyphosis is a postural condition that affects the upper back and neck. Visible symptoms of kyphosis include a curved upper back, rounded shoulders, protracted shoulder blades and a chin that extends forward. Levator scapulae weakness might cause burning or aching in your upper back and neck. Prolonged standing or sitting worsens the pain, particularly when leaning forward. The pain might completely subside when you start moving around.

Exercises

Exercises that strengthen the levator scapulae include dumbbell shrugs, weighted lateral neck flexion and weighted neck extensions. Dumbbell shrugs strengthen the scapula elevating function of the levator scapulae and involve shrugging your shoulders as high as possible while holding a set of dumbbells. Weighted lateral neck flexion requires tilting your head toward either shoulder against resistance applied by free weight, cable pulley or machine resistance. Weighted neck extensions apply resistance to the back of your head and strengthen the levator scapula as you hyperextend your neck to move your chin away from your chest.